Suspected bandits have reportedly killed the elder brother of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
The victim was said to be the Village Head of Galla in Borgu Emirate, Niger state.
The attackers allegedly invaded his palace on Monday, August 24, 2026, an attack that has reportedly thrown the residents of the community into a state of confusion.
Sources familiar with the development told reports that the monarch had earlier warned the bandits to stay away from the community.
His warning, it is said, the criminals took as an insult and returned later to attack him in his palace.
The killing has heightened fear over the security situation in the Borgu Emirate with bandit attacks and other criminal activities reportedly on the increase in recent times.
When contacted, the Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he had received inquiries about the incident.
However he said he would get back with details after getting the required information.
It was gathered that at the time of filing this report, the police spokesman was yet to issue an official statement confirming the killing or details about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army troops have rescued 14 persons who were reportedly kidnaped from bandits in Zamfara State.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA by Sector 2 in the Tsafe Local Government Area of the state also put an end to the criminals’ plans to carry out another abduction.
The troops are said to have acted swiftly after receiving information on the criminals’ suspicious movements around Magazu village on August 26, 2026.
The troops entered the area and came across a group of armed men who were allegedly trying to kidnap civilians, including motorists, the military said.
The operatives came face to face with the suspected criminals, compelling them to abandon their vehicle and run into the surrounding bushes.
Troops searched the area and found 14 victims already held hostage by the attackers.
One of the victims that was rescued sustained gunshot injuries during the incident and was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Tsafe, where he was admitted for treatment.
The military said no personnel were killed or injured in the operation.
The military said the latest rescue was part of the efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to disrupt the activities of criminal groups and prevent them from freely operating across the Zamfara State.
The troops also reiterated their determination to protect the lives of residents and motorists and deny bandits the opportunity to carry out more attacks in the area.